5 Reasons Why Electric SUVs Are Perfect for the Modern Urban Explorer

Many people choose a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) as their daily vehicle because of its versatile use. This type of car offers comfort for city driving while also delivering toughness when taken to more challenging natural terrains.

With its larger size, powerful engine performance, and complete supporting features, an SUV can meet the needs of drivers with a dynamic lifestyle. Today, many electric SUVs have also become modern mobility solutions, such as the Chery J6, Tiggo 8 CSH, and Chery E5.

Although SUVs are suitable for both paved roads and semi off-road driving, the way you handle an SUV in city traffic is certainly different from when driving through natural trails. Each terrain requires its own driving techniques to ensure safety, efficiency, and enjoyment.

Let’s explore some useful tips for driving an SUV properly, whether you’re navigating busy city traffic or embarking on an outdoor adventure.

Tips for Driving an SUV in the City

When driving an SUV in urban areas, there are several things to pay attention to, as this type of vehicle has different characteristics compared to city cars like hatchbacks or sedans. Here are some tips for driving an SUV safely and comfortably on city roads:

Adjust Seating Position and Visibility

SUVs have a taller body compared to sleek sedans. Therefore, drivers need to adjust their seat position and height to ensure better visibility to the front and sides. The right seating position helps you control the vehicle comfortably while minimizing blind spots.

Anticipate Longer Braking Distance

When driving an SUV in the city, always maintain a longer braking distance. The heavier weight of an SUV compared to a sedan often results in longer braking. Anticipate this by avoiding sudden braking. Instead, assess the road conditions ahead early so you can brake at the right timing.

Maintain a Steady Speed

In congested city traffic, avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Besides surprising other drivers, this can also make passengers feel uncomfortable and waste more fuel. Keep your vehicle running at a steady speed for safety and better fuel efficiency.

Use the Start-Stop System Feature

Modern SUVs are usually equipped with a start-stop system. This feature automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle stops in traffic or at a red light, then restarts it when the gas pedal is pressed. This helps save fuel, especially in heavy traffic conditions.

Use Parking Assist/360° Camera in Tight Spaces

The large body of an SUV often makes it difficult to maneuver in narrow areas or when parallel parking. Use the assistance of a 360° camera or parking sensors to better monitor your surroundings. These features are very helpful in preventing collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Use Engine Braking

When reducing speed in heavy traffic, make use of the transmission for engine braking. Engine braking helps drivers better control the vehicle on crowded city roads. It also allows smoother braking and helps prevent brake pads from wearing out quickly.

Be Cautious on Sharp Turns

SUVs with a taller body are more prone to body roll when taking sharp turns. When driving on city roads with many intersections or curves, this is something you need to watch out for. Reduce your speed before entering a turn to keep the vehicle stable and easy to control.

Activate Eco Mode

If your SUV is equipped with Eco Mode, activate this feature when driving in the city. Eco Mode adjusts engine and transmission performance for more efficient fuel consumption, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Tips for Driving an SUV on Natural Terrain/Semi Off-road

Driving an SUV on natural terrain requires special techniques—it’s not just about getting behind the wheel. Semi off-road conditions present unique challenges that can be risky if the driver is inexperienced or unfamiliar with proper driving techniques. Here are some tips for driving an SUV safely and comfortably on natural terrain:

Check Ground Clearance and Tire Condition

Before taking your SUV off-road, check its ground clearance and tire condition. High ground clearance helps prevent the underbody from scraping against rocks or uneven surfaces. Use tires with proper air pressure and good tread to ensure optimal traction on dirt or gravel roads.

Use the Driving Mode According to the Terrain

Modern SUVs usually come with driving modes such as Mud, Gravel, or Snow. Select the most suitable mode for the terrain to maximize performance and maintain comfort. If you’re driving on highways before reaching off-road areas, activate Eco Mode for more efficient travel before switching to semi off-road settings.

Control Speed on Rocky or Dirt Roads

When driving on rocky, dirt, or uneven surfaces, avoid high speeds. Let the suspension work optimally by maintaining a steady pace and avoiding aggressive driving. Driving slowly also reduces the risk of tire or undercarriage damage.

Be Cautious of Water Crossings and Check Water Wading Capability

Not all SUVs have the same water wading capacity. Crossing deep water can damage electrical systems or the engine. Before driving through puddles or shallow streams, ensure your vehicle’s water resistance matches the manufacturer’s specifications.

Avoid Overloading the Vehicle

Carrying excessive loads while driving on natural terrain can cause the SUV to lose balance, especially on uneven surfaces. Overloading also strains the suspension and reduces tire traction. Bring only essential gear to keep the vehicle stable and safe in semi off-road conditions.

Use Low Gear on Steep Ascents or Descents

If your SUV has a manual mode or low gear, use it when climbing or descending steep roads. This helps maintain stable engine power and prevents excessive braking, which can overheat the brakes.

Pay Attention to Approach and Departure Angles

SUVs have limitations when navigating steep inclines or declines. Make sure your vehicle’s approach and departure angles are adequate to avoid the bumpers getting stuck or hitting the ground/rocks.

Take Advantage of Driver Assistance Features

Many modern SUVs are equipped with features that are very useful in semi off-road conditions—for example, hill descent control when going down steep slopes or traction control to prevent wheel slippage. Activate these support features when facing challenging terrain.

That concludes the tips for driving an SUV in urban areas as well as on natural or semi off-road terrain. SUVs are an excellent choice for those who need a versatile vehicle—comfortable on city streets yet tough enough for the outdoors. With the tips above, you can drive your SUV more safely, comfortably, and enjoyably across various terrains.

If you are looking for a vehicle that suits these needs, Chery’s range of modern SUVs can be the ideal choice. With stylish design, advanced technology, and reliable performance, these vehicles are ready to support your lifestyle. Check out the full specifications of the Chery J5 electric SUV and other variants at chery.co.id.

Amid the day-to-day busyness of work and business, many people take advantage of their free time to go on road trips to nature. This city-to-nature lifestyle trend is becoming increasingly popular among office workers and urban families. They often plan trips by car to the mountains, beaches, or countryside.

To support these needs, of course, you need a tough and reliable SUV. The Chery J6 comes as the first off-road EV in Indonesia, capable of tackling various terrains. This electric J6 SUV is designed to be a comfortable vehicle both on city roads and in the great outdoors.

Equipped with advanced technology, powerful performance, and a modern design, the J6 is perfect for those who want a vehicle for daily mobility as well as adventure. Here are some reasons why the electric J6 SUV is the ideal choice for a city-to-nature lifestyle.

Stylish Design for a City Lifestyle

One of the main reasons the J6 SUV is so highly sought after is its elegant and modern design. Its exterior exudes a premium feel with sharp lines and bold proportions, making it stand out impressively on city streets. For young professionals who value lifestyle, the J6 projects both a stylish and sporty image.

This electric SUV adopts a “Fashion Cube Box” design and utilizes an all-aluminum structure that conveys a strong yet aesthetic character. The vehicle measures 4,406 mm x 1,910 mm x 1,715 mm with a 190 mm ground clearance, offering a spacious cabin suitable for a family car.

The interior carries a modern ambiance with premium materials, an ergonomic layout, and a complete entertainment system. The J6’s cabin provides 36 storage compartments and a luggage capacity of 450 liters (expandable up to 1,238 liters), delivering both comfort and functionality for an urban lifestyle.

Rugged Body for All Terrains

Despite its stylish appearance, the J6 electric SUV is also engineered with a rugged body to tackle challenging terrains. With a ground clearance of 223 mm when unladen and 195 mm when fully loaded, this vehicle is ready to take on rocky paths, mountain trails, and semi off-road conditions.

The J6 also boasts a water wading capability of up to 600 mm, along with 28° approach and 32° departure angles. These advantages make it safe to drive across steep terrain and through water obstacles. Its battery is equipped with IP67, IPX8, and IPX9K protection, ensuring resistance against submersion and high water pressure.

The J6’s suspension system is built for strength and stability, featuring an aluminum H-Arm, MacPherson strut at the front, and multi-link suspension at the rear. This setup delivers both stability and comfort when driving over uneven, rocky, or rough surfaces.

Reliable Performance for Outdoor Adventures

The J6 delivers reliable performance with two drivetrain options: RWD and the more powerful iWD. The iWD variant produces up to 279 PS with 385 Nm of torque, while the RWD variant delivers 184 PS and 220 Nm of torque. With such power, this SUV is more than capable of tackling tough terrains.

Both variants are also equipped with a Drive Mode system to adapt driving styles to different conditions. The iWD version offers more driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Custom, All Road, Slippery, Beach, and Muddy, while the RWD supports four modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom.

With its powerful performance and stable handling, drivers can feel more confident taking the J6 beyond the city. Whether for a road trip with friends, a family camping adventure, or a short getaway, the J6 ensures safety and comfort across diverse driving conditions.

Large-Capacity Battery for Long-Distance Journeys

To support long-distance mobility, the Chery J6 is equipped with a large-capacity battery. The RWD variant comes with a 65.69 kWh battery offering a range of up to 426 km, while the AWD variant carries a 69.77 kWh battery with a range of up to 418 km.

This substantial battery capacity provides peace of mind for drivers, especially those who often travel out of town, explore nature, and embark on long trips. With the J6, you can confidently go the distance without worrying about running out of power along the way.

Modern Technology and Advanced Features

Technology is one of the standout strengths offered by the Chery J6 SUV. This electric vehicle is equipped with a wide range of modern and advanced features designed to provide maximum comfort for its users on every journey.

The available features cater to today’s digital lifestyle needs, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, an Intelligent Voice Assistant, and a 9.2-inch digital cluster meter with navigation. To further enhance the driving experience, the J6 also comes with a dual panoramic sunroof.

What makes it even more interesting is that the J6 is also equipped with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function with a 3.3 kW output. This feature allows the car to serve as an external power source for running various electronic devices such as electric stoves, coffee machines, lamps, and more. It becomes especially useful when traveling or camping outdoors.

Comfort for Families and Communities

The J6 is not only a stylish and rugged SUV, but it is also designed as a family-friendly vehicle. With a spacious cabin, generous luggage capacity, and ergonomic seating, this SUV delivers maximum comfort for passengers during long trips out of town.

In addition, the J6 is perfect for those who are active in communities—whether automotive clubs or hobby groups such as camping or traveling. Its ample storage space allows you and your companions to bring outdoor gear with ease. Meanwhile, the in-cabin entertainment features help keep the atmosphere enjoyable throughout the journey.

From a safety perspective, the J6 is equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, a 360° camera, parking sensors, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control. All these features ensure a safe driving experience across various road conditions.

J6 SUV Ready to Be Your City-to-Nature Lifestyle Partner

With its impressive specifications and advantages, the J6 electric SUV is the perfect combination of style, performance, technology, and comfort. In the city, this EV stands out as a stylish vehicle that supports modern mobility. When taken out of town, the J6 delivers robust performance, ready to tackle a variety of terrains.

For those looking to balance busy work life with outdoor exploration, the J6 is clearly the right choice. Discover the full specifications of the J6 and other Chery SUVs in more detail at chery.co.id.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just associated with city driving. As the industry evolves, many automotive manufacturers are now designing EVs that can also handle more challenging or semi off-road terrains.

This trend has made electric cars increasingly popular among those who need a vehicle for daily activities as well as outdoor adventures. For example, traveling to rural areas with dirt roads, vacationing in nature tourism spots, or exploring light rocky trails.

EVs built to support off-road driving typically have special characteristics, such as higher ground clearance, electric AWD or 4WD systems, and more flexible suspension. These specifications can be found in electric SUVs like the Chery J6 and Tiggo 8 CSH.

If you’re currently looking for an electric vehicle for this purpose, let’s take a look at some tips on choosing the right EV for light off-roading.

Tips for Choosing the Right EV for Light Off-Roading

Nowadays, more and more people are looking for electric vehicles (EVs) that can handle various types of terrain. EVs are an attractive option because they offer instant torque that is especially useful for tackling difficult terrains, while still maintaining energy efficiency and producing zero emissions. With these capabilities, electric cars provide a more versatile driving experience.

However, not all types of EVs are suitable for rough and challenging terrains. If the specifications are not designed for it, the EV you drive could be at risk of damage or even endanger safety. There are several important factors you should consider when looking for a safe EV to take on off-road trails.

Here are some tips for choosing an electric vehicle that is suitable for light off-roading:

Adequate Ground Clearance

Ground clearance—or the distance between the car’s body and the ground—is one of the most important factors when choosing an EV for light off-roading. This measurement determines how well the car can pass over rocks, dirt roads, and uneven surfaces. Electric SUVs generally have higher ground clearance compared to hatchbacks or city cars.

For light off-road paths, a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm is considered sufficient. However, a clearance of around 200–220 mm is ideal to minimize the risk of the car’s body scraping or getting stuck on the terrain.

Drivetrain System (Electric AWD or 4WD)

Standard EVs usually come with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). While sufficient for city roads, these systems are less effective on slippery, rocky, or uphill terrains. For off-road driving, EVs with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems are more suitable.

An electric AWD or 4WD system distributes power to all four wheels, providing better stability and traction on slippery, rocky, or sandy surfaces. For example, if one wheel loses grip on dirt roads, the other wheels can still keep the vehicle moving safely.

Large and Durable Battery Capacity

Off-road journeys are typically far from charging facilities, making battery capacity a crucial factor to consider. For light off-road needs, it is best to choose an EV with at least a 60 kWh battery, which can cover a distance of around 300–400 km on a single charge.

Such capacity provides reliable power for long routes and demanding conditions, such as steep, winding, or uneven roads. Additionally, choose an EV equipped with a battery management system to maintain stable performance in challenging terrains.

Proper Suspension and Tires

A flexible suspension system is essential to keep the ride comfortable when driving over bumpy or rocky roads. Such suspension helps absorb shocks on different terrains. Independent suspension with long travel is generally preferred, as it can better adapt to uneven surfaces.

Tires also play a major role in off-road performance. All-terrain tires or those with deeper treads are highly recommended, as they provide stronger grip on various road surfaces. Avoid thin-profile tires, as they are more prone to damage on off-pavement routes.

Additional Safety Features

Modern EVs usually come with advanced features that can be very helpful for off-road driving. It is advisable to choose an EV equipped with features such as off-road mode, hill descent control, traction control, regenerative braking, and more. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce the driver’s workload in controlling the vehicle.

Off-road mode automatically adjusts power distribution for greater stability. Hill descent control helps maintain safe speed when going down steep slopes without the need for constant braking. Meanwhile, traction control prevents wheel slippage on slippery surfaces.

Body and Underbody Protection

Aside from technical factors, pay attention to the underbody protection of the car. EVs designed for light off-roading usually come with underbody shields to protect vital components such as the battery, electric motor, and wiring systems.

These underbody shields are typically made of metal or thick composite materials to withstand impacts from rocks, gravel, or water puddles that could damage electrical components. Additional protection around the front bumper and sides also helps minimize damage when passing through rocky terrains.

Examples of EVs Suitable for Light Off-Roading

Chery has introduced electric vehicles designed to handle light off-road terrains, namely the Chery J6 and the Tiggo 8 CSH. Both models come with powerful specifications that provide flexibility for traversing various terrains. Here’s a closer look at their capabilities:

1. Chery J6

The Chery J6 is a 4x4 electric SUV specifically designed for off-road conditions. It comes in two variants: RWD and iWD (Intelligent AWD), with the latter offering greater power. The iWD version delivers up to 279 PS with a peak torque of 385 Nm, making it reliable across different terrains.

In terms of off-road capability, the Chery J6 offers a ground clearance of 223 mm unladen and around 195 mm when loaded. It also features a water-wading capacity of up to 600 mm, along with an approach angle of 28° and a departure angle of 32°, ideal for tackling steep terrains and water crossings.

The iWD variant comes with a 69.77 kWh battery, while the RWD version is equipped with a 65.69 kWh battery. Both can cover a distance of 418–426 km (NEDC), supporting long-distance travel. The batteries are protected with IP67, IPX8, and IPX9K certifications, ensuring resistance to water immersion and high-pressure conditions.

For comfort and stability, the J6 is equipped with aluminum H-Arm suspension, paired with a MacPherson setup in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear. The SUV also comes with various advanced features, including a 540° surround camera, an ADAS system with 14 safety functions, six airbags, and more for enhanced safety.

2. Tiggo 8 CSH

The Chery Tiggo 8 CSH is a PHEV SUV powered by the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system. While not specifically built for heavy off-roading, its robust body design, relatively high ground clearance, and smooth drivetrain make it an excellent choice for long-distance travel and semi-off-road routes.

This hybrid SUV is built on the T1X platform, which incorporates more than 78% high-strength steel. This body structure provides both stability and resistance against minor impacts. The vehicle features a ground clearance of 213 mm, enabling it to tackle rocky paths, small mounds, and water puddles.

The Tiggo 8 CSH is equipped with an 18.3 kWh Li-Po battery certified with IP68 water resistance, capable of operating under extreme temperatures. In full EV mode, it can travel up to 90 km, while in hybrid mode it extends to over 1,300 km—a combination that ensures efficiency during long trips in areas with limited charging stations.

Powered by a 1.5L turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, the vehicle produces a total output of 341 hp with a peak torque of 525 Nm. This provides ample power for climbing slopes and navigating semi-off-road tracks. For safety, the SUV is equipped with 14 ADAS features, a 540° panoramic camera, 10 airbags, and more.

Here are some tips for choosing an EV suitable for off-road conditions that you can use as a guide. When selecting an electric vehicle for light off-road needs, it’s important to consider several specifications, including ground clearance, a reliable drivetrain, battery capacity, suspension, and modern safety features.

If you’re looking for an EV with light off-road capability, the Chery J6 and other Chery SUVs can be the right choice thanks to their sturdy design, powerful performance, and advanced technology. Check out the full specifications of Chery’s flagship vehicles at chery.co.id.